I do like the way these look especially from the rear, definitely ageing gracefully

Greetings from New Zealand, I’ve just discovered your channel and I’m gobsmacked how well your reviews and dialogue flow. Keep up the great work!

Currently running a stock 25th Anniversary as a daily. Absolutely fantastic car, heaps of fun. And even more stunning to look at in the flesh.

Love this James! I'll always have a soft spot for BBR... showing my age here, but I was lucky enough to work there back in '96 for a few months before starting uni (my mate's dad is the middle B in the company name) and loved every minute. Although never been so scared in my life as when Dave Brodie took me for a drive! :-)

Best car reviewer on KZfaq. Really enjoy even watching your reviews on cars that I’m not interested in atal.

Thanks Jay for brining a review of the NC BBR turbo. So little recognition or hands-on reviews on KZfaq regarding this. I think the NC is at the age/ price point where this kind of tuning ( with brakes and suspension) makes sense before they get tatty and you can still enjoy your investment. For under £15k to buy a good car and mod it to 270hp it takes some beating.

Enjoyed the video. A guy at my work has a 300bhp one of these by BBR. It's lovely and I am jealous.

Excellent video Jason. As an MX5 NC BBR Super 200 owner myself I always look forward to seeing you review these cars - in fact I don't subscribe to the fact they're as bad as people say, and I used to own the ultimate Mk1 - the RS Limited. The NC is a great car I reckon. In fact your original Super 200 review was what got me into one ultimately. I remember you saying that you thought a Turbo would ruin it, however, I always had a feeling you would like it, as I know BBR put a lot of effort into making the car as drivable and OEM+ as possible. However, the point that BBR actually buy cars fitted with their kit for good money was a bit of a revelation. I have an early NC which I do like, but ultimately, I might get a later one eventually, either a later NC or an ND2 RF, and get BBR to work their magic on that too. I would love to see you do a video on the Super 225 if you ever get the chance. Keep up the good work sir!

I love the audio in your videos, truly awesome, thank you.

And this is why I like Jay (apart from his criticism of the Lotus Emira) he truly apricates proper good looking drivers cars

These really are a very nice looking car all round, the BBR kit seems to put the cheery on top. Also noticed the Clio Trophy at about 10 minutes out enjoying the good weather as well ;)

I had one set up by Roddisons, on standard shocks and tires it was transformed, it loved curves, corners, roundabouts, it was like a rat up a drain pipe. Wow, that car handled.

Usual cliche, the ‘Mk3 is the least desirable, worst handling etc’. Only the press seemed to not like it. Well, Evo that is, everyone else seemed quite happy. Good to see you have made your own mind up and driven another great example.

Another great vid thanks for taking the time and effort to share it. Maybe it’s the camera angles but it looks almost what looks like a breather pipe is touching the turbo? Keep the vids coming 👍

I am fortunate to have a BBR Stage 2 Turbo as a weekend car and it was great to see your opinion on it. I agree, the pops and bangs are too much though they are great when you take your mates out. Nothing beats having the country roads to yourself driving this. The only good negative, being so cheap for what you get and easy to maintain is that it is hard to upgrade from. Honestly, what do I replace it with? I like change but for the handling and performance, nothing will come close to this unless I spend 10x what I spent on this car... Guess I am stuck with it forever?

Love it. Sounds great and BBR are top notch. I do hate run flats though. I had a BMW with them. It ruined the ride and if you hit a pothole hard it destroys the rims. I wouldnt have them ever.

Great review, not the outcome I was expecting, not that it was a bad outcome. They have a supercharger kit for this generation too. I think its was originally by a company called Corten Miller, would be interested to see a review of that as a compare and contrast should the opportunity come your way.

Stop it… I went for an NC after your original review. Added the BBR200 and coilover etc. Fantastic car and I love diving it. Also felt secure in the knowledge that this was probably about as much as should do to it without “ruining” it. Now this, now I’m thinking I need to revisit BBR. Time to do some more saving. As always another great honest review, thanks (not thanks🤣).

Superb review. Very enjoyable.

All the BBR stuff is excellent. They've been nailing MX-5 tuning for years.

Australia built an MX5 with a Ford 5.0, it was called the Bullet. There were heaps of chassis changes from the standard car.

Love that you're showing the NC for the fantastic little car it is, it gets far too much hate from the purists.

My dad used to own a special edition NC, purple on BBS

A friends 300whp NC2 Club is parked in my shop at the moment. FAB 9 Borgwarner @ 15psi. It’s controllable… but it will scare you with how hard it pulls. The chassis copes far better than it has any right to.

What a great review!

I bought a garage queen 54 plate nb 2.5 sport with the torsion LSD (solid platform) with 24,000 miles on it at the time (2019) and had it wax oiled then took it to BBR for a stage 1 turbo lifting it from 142b hp to 251 bhp. I opted for the 2.5” stainless BBR sports cat pipe and uprated clutch which you said was a stage 2, maybe your right. I can’t remember now, but without the 2.5” exhaust and heavy duty clutch the power would have been drilled down to 230 bhp, which is the one I test drove at BBR anyway and fell for. I personally just wanted the extra and safe power, and that sound came as a subtle burble. Classy I’d say. No bad boy image to be seen or heard ! I replaced the wheels, again as part of the job for bronze rota alloys and followed BBR’s advice and had the vented discs and yellow sport pads as well as braided lines. I also had the Koni dampers and BBR springs and set the alignment up for the b-road. I have to say it was an amazing car, it really was ! If I’m honest, the na was my initial choice, but they’re old now with a cheaper looking interior. The nc I agree is the less pretty child, although I can see why someone might fall for it including me. The nd is beautiful with all the reliability and rust free issues of the past 3 generations, so the nc or nd would be my next choice. I say this because I’m hankering after another. I only sold mine because I had ended up with a van instead of a company car, and I have kids . So the BBR M5-5 became a Mercedes E350. The only thing I’d say to counter your video is that selling your bespoke BBR MX-5 is really a buyers market rather than a sellers. They tend to hold the cards, unless you have all the time in the world to sell it. Also BBR were at least kind enough to say they wouldn’t insult me with an offer. That’s because they’re a business and naturally need to make a good marjin out of a car, and are aware they may be stuck with it until the rare but right buyer comes along. Don’t let it put you off though. It transforms the car into a beast with OEM driving charm i.e not a noisy dog of a car. They are evocative and involving, and you’ll be happy to argue with any critic regarding its credentials. BBR gave me a fantastic service too. I only wish I’d kept it.

I'm 6'3" tall and the NC is the only version I fit in. I owned a 2007 and I really liked it.

You're always up in that lovely bit of Angus, ha ha. I'm going to have to check out them roads. If you want a shot of a Clio 197 on them roads, give me a shout, ha ha.

Fun little car. Thanks for showcasing so many different versions of this car, always interesting to see what people can do with a car platform. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

I had one and, apart from barely fitting in it, the worst thing about it was having to wring it's neck to get anywhere, and the best thing about it was having to wring it's neck going everywhere. If I was a couple of inches shorter I'd still have it. Great car.

Probably my favourite MX5 generation; great looks and the right size for normal sized people. Add a BBR turbo and all the sports car you ever need.

Would be awesome if you could get the opportunity to do a review on a supercharged one

I currently have an Elise 111R but am thinking of going for something like this to use daily as its just so much more practical without losing the fun. Ideally id like to S/C it myself but when you weigh up the total cost including car purchase its probably going to be close to £15k. I see BBR sell cars too so maybe worth keeping an eye out there.

What a lovely noise it makes! Nice car.

Don't they have a supercharged kit now? Now that combined with the super 220 ITB tune would be epic.

Very tempting. So much fun for the money.

I daily drive a 2016 ND in New Hampshire USA. It's getting on time to be thinking of a new generation, the ideal for me would be an all aluminum 2,000 pound car with around 220hp NA. The only modification on my car is Flyin' Miata's Wilwood brakes front and rear, lighter and easier to replace brake pads. The front calipers are lighter than Brembos, the rears are much lighter than the iron units they replaced. Cost was around $1,100, less expensive than the Brembo option.

Great review 👏

I’m not sure I’d of ditched throttle bodies for a turbo. But can’t argue with that power!

I've seen a lot of these on Adam C's channel at events.

Thanks. 👍Goods Audio.

2:19 a ghost voice appeared from the void…just before the transition at 2:22. this makes me realize what a editing wizard you are…I don’t think I’ve ever seen a single fault that wasn’t either caused by equipment problems/mic failures early on/or something you pointed out yourself because of lost footage etc.

I had a negative prejudice against turbo'd cars since the first one I test drove in the 80s But all that changed when shopping a new SUV for the wife and we test drove the CX-5 turbo...I can honestly say it is sheer delight and I would LOVE to have that power in my ND,,,and yes we bought her the '22 turbo ...Other than losing some precious fuel milage in that model over her 2016 na CX5 I wholeheartely recommend it! 250hp using premium and a bit less with regular but still way more peppy than the na versions

Hi I'm a happy owner of 2011 MX5 nc FI KRAFTWERKS SUPERCHARGED (about 10psi boost ) TOMEI camshafts Complete exhaust system (including 1.8 no cat header) Lightweight flywheel MOTO-EAST intek JOYFAST high spark ignition coils BC-RACING coilovers Tuned by MIKE from MOTO-EAST And more .... The best Toy ever !

Great review! The 2.5L conversion is also a great option for more power a lot more torque

Enjoyed that! Often wondered what these were like in the real world.

Nice review... shame you did try the different maps and power settings that bbr program and replace the cruse control

Sway bars and and tires would help a lot with grip and give a stiffer feel to the handling without being any less complaint over bumps .... RR crossings

I always thought that the NC was better looking than the NA and NB

The chassis is not a limiting factor in the Mk3 Mx5, your comment about the tyres is much more likely to be the root cause of any fidgety handling here

I'm calling it. You're on BBR commission. Or you should be. I got the Super 200 kit after your last review and now the want for the turbo kit is growing. See if you can get a hold of BBR press car that has just had the Corten Miller supercharger kits released and do a comparison. And while you are there, get their Super 225 ITB press car for a review. This would complete my desired NC car reviews from you.

Loved this

I had my NC for 3 years and loved it. The only problem is they are still the rust buckets that the mk1 and mk2 are. The only reason I couldn’t justify the value of the car again in the BBR 200 route or turboing it was because the shell wouldn’t last and had rust all over the sills.

Hiya mate. As a man who's driven both the bbr 200 and a the turbo, what would you say is the better car for back road blasts? I've currently got the option of a stage 2 turbo car at 300bhp or a standard car that I would have bbr add the 200 kit. Any things to consider or your thoughts on a good weekend blaster? Cheers.

All Miata need suspension improvement. I have had turbo and SC NCs and two turbo and a SC NA/NB. It does not ruin the car, it simply changes the off/on right pedal into something you can play with.

They were the best looking MX5, including the latest.

As a die hard NA owner and driver, I have no objection at all to the NC -apart from the fact it doesn’t have pop up lights 🤣 Maybe one day I’ll fit a supercharger or a turbocharger to my 1.8iS, but frankly as my daily driver it’s 130hp for just 980kilos it’s good enough for me for now. Good one James. I’d definitely go to BBR if I was to turbo it. I’ve seen far too many KZfaqrs wreck their engine trying to do it themselves. They’ve been working with Mazda since the first turbo NA’s, so they really know what they’re doing.

I'm sure you would absolutely hate my 330whp NA, there is some lag but once you're hustling, you don't drop out of the power

I adore the 25th anniversary, I was very close to buying one (But ended up with a 125i cabrio because back seats)

Sounds so good.

Love it want it now! Probably not break the bank money either!

Excellent review as always, JayEmm. We have had a 25th Anniversary for the last 6 years and think it's peak-usability MX-5 as well. BY the way, I think the LSD can give it slightly odd movements coming off the power in a turn; perhaps the same with the car you reviewed?

I have the sports black nc 2011 in red with a planned BBR 225

just supercharged my NA.... bliss....would love one of these too.

Makes me want to buy an MX5 and do this modification!

Thanks J, good to know about this type to! Run flats a bit odd on a car known for handling, but in Scotland it probably takes ages to get recovered! Needs more BBR badges tho...

Mighty car mods compared the turbo vs supercharged Mx5. Decided the turbo was more fun.

Really enjoy your reviews but is the glasses on top of the head a trade mark thing? Put them on or in a bloody case.

I'm so glad you've tested a couple of BBRs options as I'm wanting to get more out of my NC and off the back of your reviews I think I'll eye up the Super 200 kit. If I was to add more power what chassis upgrades would you suggest?

Fascinating.

These special editions have held their value very well despite being branded as the least popular mx5. You can buy an ND for less than the later editions, especially the £15,000 anniversary edition. How is the rust on NC2 - NC3.75?

*One of my fondest young memories is driving the first UK BBR turbo MX5 back in 88/89 around the lanes of Kent near Staplehurst. Bear in mind that modified cars weren’t as common as they are today. It was an epic little car and not much could stay with it when driven hard.

Hello JayEmm, please do a Rover 600 turbo

I have an SLK230, But an MX5, I suspect, is more fun, especially this one

With this engine and HP it should be loads of fun, as long as you don't have an accident in it, and you don't take it on long trips.

I've had two turbo Mx5's ' Mk1 and Mk2' They honestly become the car i wish they came from the factory. around 240 bhp ish.

What wheels are these? Looks so good

What did it feel like to drive with the roof up?

A Renesis engine swap would be my ultimate NC Mx5

I always love the NC facelift 🇯🇵💕

What wheels are those ?? Love them for the NC

Don’t think I need to watch the video to find out but I will anyway 😂

im gonna do that to my mrs 2017 mx5.. im guessing the bbr will also have had time to sort that turbo kit for this newer model as well.?

NC's are underrated for sure, even by the Miata faithful. Drive it and enjoy it on the right roads.

If we are talking modified, then my ideal MX5 would be a K20a swapped NB facelift. I do like the NC's, but they have a bit of an 'estate agent' vibe to them. IMO the ND's are just strange looking.

I wonder if BBR would let you compare the new supercharged version against the turbo

Is it better than your s2000?

Can you buy BBR packages in the U.S?

Great cars. All the stupid hate on the NC will soon fold.

I’m fortunate to have a 300 whp BBR Stage 2 Turbo ND1. Trust me, forced induction doesn’t ruin the car.

Am I bad for liking pops and bangs?

Does anyone know how well the BBR kits do with an automatic NC?

I've had the Stage 1 on my nc1 1.8 since late 2013. Would I do it again? no. Do I love it? yes but I would probably go Super 200 or 220 if I did it again. My OH had that on her 2.0 nc2 and I really liked the way the power was developed. I will probably run this car until she falls apart so ... meh! sounds beautiful and the mechanics are superb. 👍🏼

Have you had a go in a Jag V6 conversion MX-5?

Does it feel punchier than a 3.4 987?

Wouldn't a supercharger work better on this motor? Just asking...

Turbo charging or supercharging? Which is better or more reliable? Apparently the superchargers enable power from lower down the range and there’s turbo lag on turbo’d models.

its a nice setup, but i wouldn't turbo one. supercharger would give better low down performance which i feel these suffer like a civic does

Hi Jay, I'm seriously tempted to buy an nc mx5.. which did you prefer? BBR 200, supercharged or turbo?

I just can't with these cars....Once you see that smiling face in the front, you can't ever unsee it.